Dainik Bhaskar’s coverage of Azad Foundation’s recent event in Jaipur captures a significant milestone as women defy stereotypes by excelling in driving professions. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of women who have successfully completed their driving training and are now thriving as professional chauffeurs and riders.
Supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), this event marked a moment of recognition and encouragement. The newspaper features firsthand accounts from these trailblazing women, who shared their personal experiences and the transformative impact of their new roles on their lives and communities.
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The Times of India covers a groundbreaking initiative by Azad Foundation Kolkata and Sakha in collaboration with Snap-E Cabs- a reliable eco-friendly public electric transport service in Kolkata, aimed at empowering women in Kolkata’s transport sector. This partnership has made significant strides by integrating women drivers into the electric transport workforce.
Azad Foundation’s collaboration with Snap-E Cabs addresses gender disparities in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The partnership offers women free, comprehensive training in electric vehicle (EV) driving, followed by job placements with Snap-E Cabs. With supportive working conditions and gender-sensitive norms, including a fixed working schedule and competitive earnings, the initiative is setting a new standard in the transport sector.
The training is supported by National Thermal Power Corporation Group of Colleges, the British High Commissioner, and KPMG under the flagship scheme of Utkarsh Bangla, Department of Skill Development of West Bengal. This program ensures women drivers are well-prepared for their roles. Currently, 29 women trained by Azad are undergoing training under the partnership, with 12 already employed. The program’s success not only enhances women’s professional opportunities but also contributes to a more sustainable and inclusive transport sector.
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LiveMint’s article sheds light on the transformative impact of women drivers in public transportation, highlighting the significant strides made by various organizations, including Azad Foundation. This coverage provides a comprehensive view of how women are breaking stereotypes and excelling in professions traditionally dominated by men.
The article features Anita, a DTC bus driver who transitioned from driving taxis to operating a bus on the Badarpur-Gurugram route. Her journey, illustrates the success of the partnership between Azad Foundation and Sakha with the Delhi Government’s Mission Parivartan, which aims to integrate women drivers into the city’s public transport system.
The article also highlights Azad Foundation’s role in this progressive shift. Established in 2008, Azad Foundation has been at the forefront of training and empowering women in the non-traditional profession of driving alongside its partner Sakha, contributing to an increased presence of women in driving professions across India. Azad and Sakha’s impact is evident in the thousands of women who have gained permanent driving licenses and employment in the transport sector.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. The article acknowledges ongoing gender biases and safety issues faced by women drivers, such as harassment and discrimination. However, the support from CSOs and private firms is crucial in mitigating these issues, offering women not only job opportunities but also training in self-defense and other life skills.
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